Essential Propane Safety Tips and Information

“What steps should you take if you smell gas?”

While propane is a safe fuel, it’s essential to know how to protect yourself if you smell gas, whether at home or near any gas equipment.

Follow these critical steps to safeguard lives and property as soon as you detect the odor of gas:

1. Extinguish any ignition sources — this includes candles, cigarettes, and anything that could spark.
2. Evacuate immediately. Leave the house without delay.
3. Avoid using any devices — don’t touch light switches, thermostats, telephones, or appliances until you are safely outside and away from the gas smell.
4. Shut off the gas — if you can reach it safely, close the gas shutoff valve on the propane tank or cylinder. Every adult in your household should know how to do this.
5. Contact emergency services — once safely away from the area, call 911 and Southwest Propane & Fuels.
6. Wait for professionals — allow emergency responders and qualified propane technicians to check for any gas leaks and conduct necessary repairs.
7. Do not re-enter or restore gas supply — stay back, and do not attempt to turn the propane supply valve back on, even if the gas smell has dissipated.
8. Let professionals complete all safety checks — a trained propane technician should repair any leaks, inspect all gas appliances, and relight any pilots.
9. Wait for clearance — only return when given permission by emergency personnel or the service technician.

By following these steps, you can ensure everyone’s safety in the event of a gas odor.